Esposito first took a leave of absence in October after CBS TV Studios said in a statement that she was only available to work "a very limited part-time schedule" and was therefore "unable to perform the demands of her role." The studio added that they hoped that her character would return "at some point in the future."

However, Esposito quickly fired back at the studio's claim in a series of tweets, saying that her doctor said she needed a reduced work schedule because of her ongoing struggle with Celiac disease, a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine. The actress went on to claim that she collapsed on set because of her medical condition and that CBS kept her from working on the show or anywhere else. "Absolutely shameful behavior," she said at the time.

Esposito's last episode aired on Nov. 2 and she has subsequently been replaced by actresses Megan Ketch and Megan Boone.